quote:

Uverse may be faster, but something else you need to understand is how your WAN works. One device, a PC for example, is going to be faster than 5 PCs on the same connection. One PC may be acceptably fast by itself, but multiple PCs trying to use that connection at the same time will start to slow things down. Consider 5 cars on a 4 lane road all trying to merge to a one lane straight away. One can pull it off just fine, but add everyone else trying to occupy the same slot and issues will arise. You need to understand your Ned's first. If you have 10, 20 or more devices that all need access to the WAN and particularly if they're trying to do so at the same time, you will need higher speeds than Uverse is likely to offer.

Thank you. I am getting it now. I have one Desktop, two laptops and two I phones connected at the same time. Therefore U verse may be fast enough then.

I explain complex health issues to morons on a daily basis. I just do not understand why someone cannot put it simply for me. You have done so and I thank you for that.

Uverse is generally fiber speed to the node( beige cabinet in your hood). Then it travels on copper wire to your premise. The distance and the condition of the copper wire can limit your speeds. The amount of traffic in the node could also limit your speed from the node out to the world. The copper wire inside you office may limit your speed. They should be able to send a tech out and speed test from your interface box on the side of the building.
Not a fan of att or cable. ATT has been reliable. Cable (Comcast) just promised.

I have not had a good experience with AT&T and what ever they call the "new" fiber optic service.
We had DSL for many years, rarely a problem.
AT&T started sending us a notice telling us we needed to decided if we wanted to continue our DSL service or switch to fiber optic, the DSL would be ending.
We did not make a decision quick enough for AT&T so they did a "soft shutdown" on our DSL. When we called we were told that since we did not decide they turned off our service to MAKE US decide.
We told them that we would sign up for the fiber optic service and were told that it would be WAY FASTER than our DSL.
AT&T came out and switched the modem and left. The service lasted 1 day and went down. We waited 2 days for them to come back and replace the bad modem. Service is as slow or slower than the old DSL. Last night we could not watch a Netflix movie and be on the computer browsing at the same time.
Worst part the bill.
We received our bill and saw a $100 install fee. We were NEVER told there would be a charge for the change in service they forced us to.
My wife asked many times during the process about a rate increase or install fees, we were told no charge every time. When told about this AT&T said that we were not properly informed and denied that anybody told us this.LIARS!
WE told them we would cancel service, the "termination specialist" said we still owed the $100.
We told them to cancel but still have service.
A new option must be found for our internet service.

IME, cable served phones are less than good.

My business uses Comcast/Xfinity. They suck it through a straw. So far this month, I've been out of phone and internet services for about 3 days total. This month. One cannot properly care for client needs without communications services.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

quote:

Uverse may be faster, but something else you need to understand is how your WAN works. One device, a PC for example, is going to be faster than 5 PCs on the same connection. One PC may be acceptably fast by itself, but multiple PCs trying to use that connection at the same time will start to slow things down. Consider 5 cars on a 4 lane road all trying to merge to a one lane straight away. One can pull it off just fine, but add everyone else trying to occupy the same slot and issues will arise. You need to understand your Ned's first. If you have 10, 20 or more devices that all need access to the WAN and particularly if they're trying to do so at the same time, you will need higher speeds than Uverse is likely to offer.

Thank you. I am getting it now. I have one Desktop, two laptops and two I phones connected at the same time. Therefore U verse may be fast enough then.

I explain complex health issues to morons on a daily basis. I just do not understand why someone cannot put it simply for me. You have done so and I thank you for that.

There are certain circumstances that one device can consume more bandwidth than an another but the general premise in the above quote is wrong.
True there can only be one talking on the network at a time which is defined by the CSMA protocol.
This is for ALL networks.

However, the example:
"If you have 10, 20 or more devices that all need access to the WAN and particularly if they're trying to do so at the same time, you will need higher speeds than Uverse is likely to offer"
...is completely bogus.

There ARE devices that require high priority to work right such as VOIP but not at the network configuration described above.
Even with VOIP the issue is no so much bandwidth or mega-bandwidth it is designating a priority aka QOS for those packets.

Perhaps it sounds logical but it is not correct:
"One device, a PC for example, is going to be faster than 5 PCs on the same connection."

I am trying to slowly sort this out. Years ago our business phone service through Bell South was great. After Katrina one of our phone lines still worked, while it took another two months for the second phone line to come back online.

Our DSL service worked once we got electricity restored about three weeks later.

Then all the mergers etc, and everything basically sucks. The only choice I have is AT&T U verse or DSL, as I understand it. Cable is not an option due to exorbitant installation costs, poor reliability etc.

I think I basically understand what I have at present, that is two phone lines, ASDL with filter on the lines, and a router/modem that is connected to a phone line. The two laptops and two I phones are connected via wifi.